Baked Ham
A show-stopping centerpiece for any holiday meal. This juicy, tender ham is baked with a sweet and tangy brown sugar and mustard glaze that caramelizes into a beautiful crust. Simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
For 10 servings
5 steps. 140 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Ham and Oven
- b.Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Position a rack in the lower third of the oven.
- c.Allow the ham to sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes to take the chill off.
- d.Place the ham, cut-side down, in a large roasting pan. Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the pan to create steam and keep the ham moist.
- e.Cover the pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Initial Baking
- b.Place the ham in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes per pound.
- c.For a 10 lb (4.5 kg) ham, this will be approximately 2 hours. The goal is to heat it until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part (avoiding the bone) reads 120°F (50°C).
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Glaze
- b.While the ham is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, ground cloves, and cinnamon.
- c.Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- d.Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Glaze and Finish Baking
- b.After the initial baking time, carefully remove the ham from the oven. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
- c.Remove the aluminum foil. Using a pastry brush, apply about half of the warm glaze evenly over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to get it between the spiral slices.
- d.Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 10 minutes.
- e.Remove the ham again, brush with the remaining glaze, and bake for another 10-15 minutes. The glaze should be bubbly and caramelized, and the internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
- 5
Step 5
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Carefully transfer the glazed ham to a large cutting board or serving platter.
- c.Loosely tent the ham with foil and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
- d.Carve the ham away from the bone and serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1A spiral-cut ham is convenient as it's pre-sliced, making carving and serving much easier.
- 2Don't skip the resting step! It's crucial for a juicy, tender result.
- 3Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Since the ham is already cooked, you're just heating it through.
- 4If the glaze starts to get too dark, loosely tent the ham with foil for the remaining baking time.
- 5Save the ham bone to make a delicious split pea soup or to flavor stocks and greens.
- 6Leftover ham is fantastic in sandwiches, omelets, salads, or pasta dishes.
Adapt it for your goals.
Glaze Flavor
Substitute maple syrup for honey for a different flavor profile. You can also use orange juice or apple cider instead of pineapple juice.
Spice ProfileSpice Profile
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a touch of heat, or 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger for extra warmth.
Classic GarnishClassic Garnish
For a traditional, retro presentation, stud the ham with whole cloves and garnish with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries before the final glazing.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Ham provides high-quality protein essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in B Vitamins
It is a good source of several B vitamins, including thiamine, niacin, and B6, which are crucial for converting food into energy and supporting metabolic health.
Provides Essential Minerals
Ham contains important minerals like selenium, a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage, and phosphorus, which is vital for strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
A 200g serving of this Baked Ham contains approximately 450-550 calories, depending on the specific cut of ham and the amount of glaze absorbed.
